Baghmara, June 19: The Silver Jubilee celebrations of South Garo Hills District concluded on Monday with an impressive programme at Baghmara Sports Complex, which was marked by colourful cultural presentations and sharing of thoughts on the past and present status of the district and how they want the district to be in the future.
It may be recalled that Baghmara Civil Sub-Division was upgraded as South Garo Hills District on June 18, 1992 and has closed 25 years of its existence this year. A series of programmes were organized by the Silver Jubilee Celebration Committee beginning from June 16, last and a souvenir was also released to mark the momentous occasion.
The grand function was attended by local MLA & Parliamentary Secretary, Civil Defence, Samuel M. Sangma and Parliamentary Secretary, C&RD, Rophul S. Marak as the chief guest and guest of honour, respectively, along with Chokpot MLA & Chairperson, SDRC, Bluebell R. Sangma, Chairman, Baghmara Municipal Board Surosh R. Marak and hosts of other dignitaries from the district and beyond.
Samuel M. Sangma, while highlighting on the developments and changes that has taken place in the district since its inception, expressed his concern on the deplorable condition of NH 62, which is the main road connecting the district with the rest of the state, due to which the people of the district had suffered untold miseries. He, however expressed hope that recent sanction for construction of this road with funding from JICA would lead to better connectivity and quicken the pace of development in the district. He also called upon the people of the district to work in coordination with the District administration to ensure that the winds of development reach all the remotest corners of the district.
Echoing similar sentiments, Rophul S. Marak expressed his dismay that the district has lagged behind in all areas of development even after 25 years of its existence and called for concerted efforts of all concerned to bring the district at par with the rest of state, taking advantage of the rich natural resources for the benefit of the people of the district.
They (MLAs of the three constituencies in the district, including Bluebell R. Sangma) assured the people that they would work together in close coordination with the state government to bring all round development to the people of the district.
Chairman of Baghmara Municipal Board, Surosh R. Marak also spoke on the occasion and spelt out the requirements for development of Baghmara town, including improvement of its roads and town beautification.
Earlier, South Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Shella N. Marak, in her welcome address, called for all the people and government functionaries to work together to bring back the lost legacy of the district, which was once known for its flourishing trade and commerce and which had produced leaders like Capt. Williamson A. Sangma, the first Chief Minister of the State. She also conveyed the greetings from the Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma, who could not attend the function due to inclement weather, and his message to the people assuring of the government’s commitment to address the developmental disparities in the district.
Members of the erstwhile District Demand Committee, like former Minister, Late Lotsing A. Sangma and others were also felicitated on the occasion.
